Professional Sports Scout

Quick Stats

Outlook

Good

Salary Range

$16,000 – $64,000

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Professional Sports Scouts do?

In the world of professional sports, the roles of a Professional Athlete, Coach, and Referee are well known by most. But behind the scenes, there’s a whole business that takes place long before the Athlete takes the court, field, or pitch. Part of this scene is the Professional Sports Scout. In this role, the Professional Sports Scout is the one who finds and recruits Athletes to professional sports teams.

All professional sports use Professional Sports Scouts, so you have a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing your field. That being said, Scouts tend to focus on one particular sport, meaning if you recruit Football Players one year, you won’t start talking with Baseball Players the next. By specializing, Professional Sports Scouts are able to form valuable networking connections with Coaches and Trainers who can keep you updated on who the next big player will be.

There are two different ways you can be a Professional Sports Scout. The first is by working as an independent contractor, which means you work with an Athlete or team who needs you. The second is by working in-house for a specific team, recruiting based on what positions it needs filled or what kind of Player is needed.

No matter whom you work for, though, you recruit Players using the same methods. You spend your days watching films of Athletes playing, and traveling around the country to observe them in person. When you find a potential Player, you then get to work brokering a deal between them and the team.

Though you want to make sure you get the best Athlete possible, scouting requires you to look at more than just skill. Since sports are a team activity, you need to find Players who don’t just play well, but also work well with others.

Should I be a Professional Sports Scout?

You should have
a
bachelor's
degree or higher and share these traits:

Trustworthy:
You are known for your personal integrity and honesty.

Levelheaded:
You hold your emotions in check, even in tough situations.

Reliable:
You can always be counted on to do a good job.

Also known as:
Athletic Scout, Coach, Professional Athletes, Professional Athletes Coach, Professional Scout, Pro Scout
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Athletic Scout, Coach, Professional Athletes, Professional Athletes Coach, Professional Scout, Pro Scout, Scout, Professional Sports, Sports Scout, Sports Talent Scout
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How to Become a
Professional Sports Scout

Most Professional Sports Scouts have a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree. Start by getting your Bachelor's degree.